Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Group advises that RMA considers natural hazards

Updated at 8:01 pm on 5 July 2012

An independent advisory group is recommending the Resource Management Act take more consideration of natural hazards and urban and infrastructure development.

Environment Minister Amy Adams says after the Canterbury earthquakes, it became clear that consents for subdivisions had been granted without any consideration of the risk of liquefaction.

She says the problem has been that the RMA prioritises preserving natural character, landscape, flora and fauna, public access, cultural values and heritage, over managing natural hazards.

The Government will consider the recommendations as part of its wider reforms of the resource management system.

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